The Boston Red Sox, under manager Alex Cora, have struggled to maintain a winning record amid a string of injuries this season. However, the team is preparing for the return of key players Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman, which is expected to significantly enhance their offensive performance. The prospect of these two veterans rejoining the lineup has generated considerable optimism for the club’s second half.
According to MassLive, Alex Cora indicated that Yoshida, who played exclusively as a designated hitter this year, will likely see time in the outfield upon his return. Cora also emphasized Bregman’s value to the team, highlighting the importance of his experienced approach at the plate.
Manager Alex Cora discusses Alex Bregman’s readiness and impact
Cora stressed that the timing of Bregman’s comeback will depend largely on how the player feels about his readiness.
“I talked to him today about how he sees it,”
Cora said.
“I think he’ll let us know. Obviously, you can have all the at-bats with the machine but at the end of the day, getting in the box is one thing and getting into the box at the big-league level is another.”
He expressed confidence in Bregman’s simplicity and effectiveness as a hitter, noting,
“The thing I’m comfortable with is that it’s not a complicated swing. It’s someone that controls the strike zone and a veteran guy who knows what he needs to do in the box. If it’s soon, it’s soon. If it’s later, it’s later.”
Cora expects both Bregman and Yoshida to contribute consistently once healthy, reflecting on their promising performances during spring training.
“You add him and Alex (Bregman) and we get two really good at-bats,”
Cora commented.
“We saw it in spring training, when they were playing together at one point. It was J.D. (Jarren Duran), Alex and Masa and the line was moving. We expect the same thing when they get back.”
Recent frustrations with umpiring highlight tensions on the field
Recently, Alex Cora’s frustrations with umpiring decisions have come to the forefront, culminating in an ejection during a game against the San Francisco Giants. This occurred after a close play at second base involving outfielder Jarren Duran, who was called out despite replays suggesting he was safe.
Cora did not hold back his views in describing the call:
“Yeah, you know what, he (Jarren Duran) was safe, clearly. He comes out of the bag,”
he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Jarren Duran took a more measured stance on the incident.
“I don’t really have an opinion on it. I saw what I saw, they saw what they saw. At the end of the day, I can’t change it. This game’s hard enough — we shouldn’t dwell on one play,”
Duran said.
“We just kind of brush it off.”
Implications for the Red Sox’s prospects moving forward
As the Red Sox aim to climb out of their current slump, the return of Masataka Yoshida and Alex Bregman could be pivotal. Their presence in the lineup not only brings experience but also an offensive spark that could revitalize Boston’s run production. Manager Alex Cora’s strategy to integrate them gradually, based on individual readiness, reflects a cautious but hopeful approach to strengthening the team.
If these players regain their early-season form, the Red Sox will gain crucial momentum during a competitive stretch. Their contributions could help stabilize a team affected by injuries and inconsistency, setting the stage for a strong finish to the season.